Box Score | Game Live

If Game 1 of the Berry Conference Finals is any indication of what we can expect during the best-of-7 series, than CHL fans are in for a treat as the Wichita Thunder and Texas Brahmas clashed in a classic battle that saw the Thunder prevail 3-1 at the INTRUST Bank Arena on Friday night.

The Thunder will look to go up two games in their series on Sunday afternoon at 5:05 CST in Wichita.

Chris Chappell scored twice including the game winning goal midway through the second period and an empty-net strike to seal the deal for the Governors’ Cup Champion Thunder.

Continuing a trend that plagued the Thunder in their Opening Round series win against the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees, Wichita fell behind early. 

Sy Nutkevitch scored the game’s first goal making it six straight games in the post-season that the Thunder have given up the game’s opening tally.  Chad Woollard and T.J. Fox had the assists for the Brahmas who led 1-0 after one period, a period that saw them outshoot the Thunder 10-7.

In the second period, Wichita would tie the game at the 4:20 mark with R.G. Flath’s league-leading seventh goal of the post-season.  The Park City, Utah native has now scored goals in three straight games for Wichita and the team is a perfect 4-0 when he finds the back of the net.

With the score tied at one, Chappell took over knocking in his first of two on the night.

Adam Russo was outstanding stopping 31 of 32 Brahmas shots improving to 5-1 on the post-season and lowering his GAA to 2.06.

Brad Fogal suffered his first loss of the playoffs in four decisions making 26 saves.

Texas finished with 32 shots compared to Wichita’s 29.

The Brahmas went 0 for 3 on the power play and the Thunder failed to convert on four chances.